There’s something undeniably enchanting about the contrast of rich chocolate and tart cherries, and these Chocolate Cherry Cookies bring that magic right to your kitchen. One afternoon, while searching for a creative way to satisfy my sweet tooth, I discovered this delectable recipe that balances indulgence with a pop of fruity flavor.
Imagine the joy of biting into a chewy cookie, where the semi-sweet morsels melt onto your tongue, complemented by the surprising bursts of cherry. It’s the perfect remedy for anyone tired of the monotonous cycle of fast food, and an ideal treat to share during cozy gatherings or simply to brighten a weekday afternoon.
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasers, and I promise they’ll disappear faster than you can say “chocolate.” So grab your apron and let’s bring some homemade goodness back into your life with these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for even the busiest days.
- The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your family and friends.
- Their beautiful appearance, with glossy chocolate chips peeking through the chewy cookie, makes them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Plus, these cookies are highly versatile; you can enjoy them as a delightful snack, a dessert for gatherings, or even a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Ingredients
• Unleash your baking creativity with these delicious essentials!
For the Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – a staple for the perfect cookie base!
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – brings a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cookies to perfection; feel free to use coconut sugar for a healthier spin!
- 1/2 cup softened butter – ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – these gems add a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite!
- 1/2 cup dried cherries – choose tart cherries for an exciting flavor contrast in your Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
- 1 large egg – binds everything together for a lovely, chewy texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda – helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- 1/4 tsp salt – enhances the flavors, making each ingredient shine.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth to the overall taste.
Feel free to mix and match these ingredients as you discover your own unique twist!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze!
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Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until well combined. This step is essential to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring every bite is perfectly fluffy.
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Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. This makes the cookie dough rich and flavorful, setting a delightful base.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Then, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cherries, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed for maximum flavor in every cookie.
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Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing gives them room to spread while baking, creating those luscious, chewy edges.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. The aroma will fill your kitchen with sweet temptation!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft, chewy, and always ready to enjoy!
Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh a bit longer, the fridge is a good option. Place the cookies in a sealed container for up to a week, but remember they might lose some of their softness.
Freezer: You can freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm again, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delicious twists!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful alternative that still delivers on taste and texture.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and cherries beautifully.
- Minty Fresh: Add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract for a refreshing twist that livens up the chocolate and cherry combo, bringing a holiday spirit to your baking.
- White Chocolate Wonder: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie while still maintaining that delightful cherry contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an unexpected heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a rich, vegan-friendly version of these chocolatey treats.
- Baker’s Choice: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, creating an irresistible aroma and enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Fruit Medley: Swap dried cherries for a mix of dried fruits like cranberries and apricots to create a colorful and fruity cookie, bursting with diverse flavors in every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that can be prepped ahead for those busy days when you still want something homemade! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. Additionally, you can scoop the dough onto baking sheets, freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months, and bake them directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, simply preheat the oven, place the chilled or frozen dough on baking sheets, and bake until just set. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm Chocolate Cherry Cookies with minimal effort whenever the craving strikes!
What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Indulging in freshly baked cookies is an experience that deserves a delightful meal to accompany it.
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the chewy chocolate cookies, enhancing the chocolate-cherry experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso balances the sweetness of the cookies, providing a delightful kick to your treat time.
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Fresh Berries Medley: Serve a tart and colorful mixture of fresh berries to cut through the richness, adding an exciting burst of flavor to each bite.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For a luxurious touch, pair them with chocolate-covered strawberries that echo the cookies’ theme, creating a playful yet sophisticated dessert experience.
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Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): A classic for a reason! Whether you prefer traditional cow’s milk or an oat alternative, it perfectly complements the rich flavors.
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Nutty Trail Mix: For a healthy snack option, a handful of nutty trail mix offers a crunchy contrast that makes every cookie nibble even more satisfying.
Experience the magic of pairing each bite of Chocolate Cherry Cookies with these delightful options that elevate your cookie enjoyment!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Chocolate Cherry Cookies, it’s important to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to achieve a tender texture.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients, so mix only until just combined to maintain softness.
- Make sure to use tart dried cherries, as they provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; the cookies should look set at the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them out of the oven for the perfect chewy bite.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries should I use for Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
I recommend using tart dried cherries for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in your cookies. This flavor contrast elevates the chocolate richness, making each bite delightful! If you prefer a sweeter twist, feel free to use sweet dried cherries as an alternative.
How long can I store Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
You can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, place them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week, but they’ll be a bit firmer.
Can I freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze your cookies for up to 3 months. Here’s how:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container to avoid freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or reheat them gently in the oven!
What should I do if my dough is too dry?
If you find that your dough is too dry, it might be due to measuring inaccuracies or an overly dry environment. Simply add 1 tablespoon of milk or water to the mixture and mix until it reaches a more workable consistency. Remember, you want the dough to be moist but not sticky!
Are Chocolate Cherry Cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, this recipe doesn’t contain any nuts, making it a safer choice for those with nut allergies. However, always check your specific ingredients, especially chocolate chips, as some may be processed in facilities that handle nuts.
Can pets eat Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
No, it’s essential to keep these cookies away from pets. Ingredients like chocolate and sugar can be harmful to animals, especially dogs. Always double-check which treats are safe for your furry friends to avoid any health risks!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined, then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cherries.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
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